What is the function of the Cell Membrane?
- It controls what enters and exits the cell
- maintain a stable environment for chem reactions
What is the importance of the Cell Membrane?
It maintains a stable environment for chemical reactions. <—(bc it controls what comes in and out)
What is the Fluid Mosaic Model of the membrane?
It describes:
- how fluid the membrane is: proteins & lipids move around
- how it is made from many diff molecules
What are the main components of the membrane? (4)
- Phospholipid bilayer
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Cholesterol
What is the function of the phospholipid bilayer, in the membrane?
It makes up the backbone of the membrane
What is the function of carbs (attached on the outside) of the membrane?
They help cells communicate w one another
What is the function of cholesterol in the membrane?
It stabilizes the membrane
What are the components that influence the fluidity of the membrane?
- Saturation of Fatty Acids
- Temperature
- Sterols
How does the saturation of fatty acids influence the fluidity of the cell membrane?
When saturated: The membrane is tightly packed & less fluid
When unsaturated: The Phospholipid tails are bent & the membrane is more fluid
How does the temperature influence the fluidity of the cell membrane?
If cold: less fluid (less motion)
If warm: more fluid (more motion)
How do sterols influence the fluidity of the cell membrane?
The help stabilize motions of molecules in the membrane,
maintaining its fluidity.
What are the 2 protein attachment types within the membrane?
- Integral protein (embedded into the membrane)
- Peripheral protein (attached to the surface of the cell)
